Lubrication device

ABSTRACT

A lubrication device lubricates traveling lubrication sites, such as on a belt ( 1 ), in particular, on a roller or chain belt ( 1 ). The lubrication device includes a lubricating apparatus ( 2 ) having a catch (C) that is capable of assuming a resting position and a catching position relative to the belt ( 1 ). In the catching position, a lubricating head (D) of the lubricating apparatus ( 2 ) is moved to a lubrication site by relative lateral motion between the belt ( 1 ) and the lubricating apparatus ( 2 ) in order to supply lubricant to the lubricating site. At the end of the run path, the lubricating head (D) as well as the catch (C) moves relative to the belt ( 1 ) to return back to the resting position. Also, before or simultaneously while the catch (C) is brought into engagement with the belt ( 1 ), the lubricating apparatus ( 2 ) can be extended in a longitudinal direction of the lubrication site motion at a boosting speed, which is greater than zero and less than the speed of the belt ( 1 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lubrication device for lubricating travelinglubrication sites, such as those on a belt (such as a roller or chainbelt), which comprises a lubricating apparatus supported so as to bedisplaceable back and forth in the longitudinal direction of thelubrication site motion. The lubricating apparatus includes a catchassuming a resting position and a catching position relative to the belta similar component having the lubrication sites. The belt drives thecatch in the catching position and thus drives the catch along thelubricating apparatus over a predetermined run path at the speed of thebelt. A lubricating head can be moved through a lateral relative motionbetween the belt and the lubricating apparatus to a lubrication site,and lubricant can be supplied to At the end of the run path, thelubricating head and the catch relative to the belt return into theparticular resting position, and the lubricating apparatus can be movedback along the belt into its starting position.

With such known lubrication devices, difficulties occur with lubricationsite speeds above a predetermined limit value, for example of 0.4 m/sec,because the large acceleration forces occurring therein lead to thefailure of the catch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to propose a lubrication deviceof the above-described type, which can be employed even with relativelyhigh lubrication site speeds.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a lubricationdevice of the above described type, in which, before or simultaneouslywith the engagement of the catch and the belt, the lubricating apparatuscan be extended in the longitudinal direction of the lubrication sitemotion at a boosting speed which is greater than zero and less than thespeed of the belt.

In this way, it is possible to ensure that the speed difference betweenthe lubrication sites and the lubricating apparatus before thelubricating process is not greater than the maximum speed below which afailure of the catch must be prevented.

It has been found in practice that the boosting speed of the lubricatingapparatus should be no less than a predetermined maximum difference,such as for example 0.4 m/sec, less than the speed of the belt. Thedifference between the speed of the belt and the boosting speed is thusno greater than the permissible value of 0.4 m/sec.

Under these conditions, the boosting speed of the lubricating apparatusis preferably no more than a predetermined maximum value, for example0.4 m/sec. If the belt runs slower than the lubricating apparatusaccelerated to the boosting speed, an end position of an accelerationdevice (for example an acceleration cylinder) will stop and wait untilit is driven by the belt in the conventional manner. Since thelubrication site speed in this case is less than approximately 0.4m/sec, problems cannot be encountered with the catch.

In a special implementation of the invention, the boosting motion of thelubricating apparatus is provided by an acceleration device, such as anacceleration cylinder or a setting motor, if appropriate, against theeffect of a return cylinder in order to avoid the rebounding of thecatch from the belt.

In a further implementation of the invention, the boosting speed of thelubricating apparatus can be set, if appropriate, by a one-wayrestrictor valve, in order to be able to readily adapt the lubricationdevice to the particular conditions.

The acceleration cylinder preferably becomes pressure-free as soon asthe lubricating head starts the delivery of the lubricant. Afterreaching the predetermined boosting speed of, for example, 0.4 m/sec,the lubricating apparatus is driven in a conventional manner by the beltunder the action of the catch, and is accelerated to, for example, 0.8m/sec.

A further characteristic of the invention is that during the returnmotion of the lubricating apparatus along the belt to the startingposition, the acceleration cylinder can simultaneously be movable freeof pressure into the starting position. The lubrication device in thiscase is ready for a new lubricating operation.

The speed of the return motion of the lubricating apparatus can thereinbe settable, if appropriate, by a one-way restrictor valve on the returncylinder.

It has been found in practice that the counter pressure of the returncylinder during the forward motion of the lubricating apparatus isapproximately 0.5 bar and the return pressure of the return cylinderduring the back motion of the lubricating apparatus along the belt isapproximately 6 bar.

A further independent concept of the invention is that a lubricationdevice of a lubricating apparatus including a lubricating head, togetherwith the catch and preferably with its aid, is movable laterally(perpendicularly) with respect to the belt. But it is also possible thatthe belt is movable, preferably with the aid of the catch, which ismovable jointly with the lubricating apparatus along the belt,transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lubrication sitemotion in the direction toward the lubricating head. With the aid of thecatch, the lubrication site to be lubricated is thus brought close tothe lubricating head while it is laterally immovable or, conversely, thelubricating head is brought to the lubrication site.

The catch can comprise, for example, a catch arm which engages fromabove or below the elements of a roller or chain belt. This can takeplace bypivoting.

The catch arm therein preferably has at its outer end a fork-shapedmember for the purpose of engaging over a roller or chain link axle.

In the event of malfunction, it is useful if the catch arm can be swungin the direction of motion of the roller or chain link axle, over whichby way of example it engages, out of its path of motion. In this way,while the roller or chain belt is continuing to run, the catch can bestopped from functioning.

Known lubrication devices of this type are adapted specifically to theparticular application case. Fast and flexible adaptation of thelubrication arrangement to modified rollers or chain belts withlubrication sites at varying spacings is not possible. In addition, onlyone lubrication site can always be supplied with lubricant in onelubricating cycle, which is a particular disadvantage in chain beltswith double bearing roller pairs.

It is therefore a further object to provide a lubrication device of theabove described type which can be adapted in a simple manner todifferent lubrication site distributions of lubrication site numbers.

This object is solved according to the invention in a lubrication deviceof the above described type in which two sensors are provided spacedapart from one another in the direction of motion of the belt. Thesensor signals are used for detecting two lubrication sites spaced apartfrom one another in the longitudinal direction of the belt. For thesupply of both lubrication sites, at least two lubricating heads areprovided.

The invention entails an advantage that, for example, rollers or chainbelts with uniformly distributed lubrication sites, as well as rollersor chain belts with varying lubrication site numbers and/or spacing andwith individual support roll pairs, as well as also with double supportroller pairs, can automatically be lubricated.

It is an of advantage if the spacing of the two sensors agreessubstantially with the spacing of successive lubrication sites of thebelt since, in this case, the signals of both sensors occursubstantially concurrently.

A further characteristic of the invention is that the spacing of thesensors can be set in order to be adapted to different belts to belubricated. This feature also applies to the lubricating head spacing.

A further invention embodiment includes, in a lubrication device of theabove described type, at least two lubricating heads which, with respectto the belt oppose one another. From their respective sides, thelubricating heads can be moved in a direction toward the lubricationsites of the belt synchronously and, if appropriate, also away from thesites so that the charging forces, resulting from the lubricationpressure onto the lubricating apparatus and the belt, can be equalized.

Lubrication which is especially optimized with respect to time isbrought about if the lubricating apparatus has two pairs of lubricatingheads, which can be moved under control pairwise in a direction towardthe lubrication sites of the belt and away from it. Such a lubricationdevice is particularly suitable for the lubrication of with doublesupport roller pairs.

If the lubricating heads are disposed jointly on a carriage, thispermits the common acceleration of the lubricating heads before thelubricating heads have been set onto the lubrication site. This carriageshould, in this case, also support the catch.

A further characteristic of the invention is that the lubricating headsare disposed substantially mirror-symmetrically with respect to the beltdisposed between them.

In particular, for the lubrication of belts, which apart from thebearing rollers also comprise guidance rollers whose axes of rotationare disposed at an angle (preferably perpendicular), to the axes ofrotation of the bearing rollers, it is advantageous if the lubricationsites of the guidance rollers are lubricated with a lubrication deviceaccording to DE 200 15 780 U.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further goals, characteristics, advantages and application feasibilitiesof the invention will be evident from the following description ofembodiment examples in conjunction with the drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lubrication device of a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2a is a side view of a lubricating apparatus according to the firstembodiment, and including a catch disposed thereon in a positionextended toward a lubrication site before the engagement of the catchinto a belt;

FIG. 2b is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2a, in which the catch ispivoted into the belt;

FIG. 2c is a front view of a belt to be lubricated, in which the catchhas assumed the position of FIG. 2b;

FIG. 2d is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2c, in which the catch armof the catch is pivoted out of the path of motion of the chain link axlein the direction of motion of the belt;

FIG. 3a is a side view of a second embodiment of the lubricatingapparatus which is laterally immovable, in which the belt is laterallydisplaceable;

FIG. 3b is a side view of a lubricating apparatus with the catchcorresponding to FIG. 3a, in which a catch arm is pivoted over a chainlink axle, and the corresponding chain link comprising the lubricationsite to be lubricated has been laterally displaced in a direction towardthe lubricating head of the lubricating apparatus;

FIG. 3c is a front view of the lubricating apparatus shown in FIG. 3a,in an arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 2c;

FIG. 3d is a front view of the lubricating apparatus shown in FIG. 3a,in an arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 2d;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a lubrication device of a third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lubricating apparatus according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention, including several lubricating headslocated in a starting position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the lubricating apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a switching plan for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of a chain belt to be lubricated;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the chain belt shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a lubrication device of a fifthembodiment in basic position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The graphically represented lubrication device serves for lubricatingtraveling lubrication sites, for example on a roller and chain belt 1.To supply the lubrication device, lubricant is supplied from a centrallubrication pump. The driving of the pump takes place via a pressureswitch S1 with two switching points : p≦pmin (pump on) and p≧pmax (pumpoff). At the beginning of the lubrication process, a proximity switch S5is switched in order to indicate the operational readiness of thelubrication device.

A proximity switch S4 inductively acquires the position of a travelinglubrication site, for example a tread roller, which is to be lubricated,and switches therein a 3/2-way valve Y1. Air pressure is thereby placedinto a catch cylinder B and a catch C is pushed outward. The sequence ofthe lubricating processes (i.e., whether or not, for example, everytread roller or every second tread roller is to be lubricated) dependson the number of tread rollers and on the speed of the chain or rollerbelt or the roller spacing.

The catch C subsequently intercepts the tread roller to be lubricatedand therein moves the lubricating apparatus 2 parallel to the treadroller in order to carry out the lubrication process. For this purpose,the lubricating apparatus 2 is disposed on a carriage F, which issupported on a frame G so as to be readily displaceable. In order forthe carriage F to move jointly with the tread roller under control andnot by jerks, a return cylinder A is acted upon with a preset dampingpressure via a pressure regulator H.

During the motion process a (not shown) switching element intercepts aproximity switch S6 and switches a 3/2-way valve Y2. Air pressurethereby acts upon a lubricating head cylinder E, such that a lubricatinghead D is moved out toward the lubrication site as, for example, alubricating nipple. By pressing the lubricating head D onto the rollernipple, a piston delivers the lubricant from a prefilled dosing chamberto the lubrication site.

When the switching element leaves the proximity switch S6, the 3/2-wayvalve Y2 is moved again into the resting position. A reset spring of thelubricating head cylinder E moves the lubricating head D back into itsstarting position. A central supply pump fills the dosing chamber withlubricant for the next delivery stroke.

When the switching element reaches a proximity switch S7, it switchesthe 3/2-way valve Y1 again back into its starting position. A resetspring of the catch cylinder B moves the catch C back into a startingposition. With the aid of a fast venting valve, fast resetting can beaccomplished.

When the catch C has reached its starting position, a proximity switchS8 switches the valve Y3. In this way, compressed air acts on thedouble-action return cylinder A and the damping pressure, which wasgenerated in the forward motion of the lubricating apparatus 2, isswitched off. The lubricating apparatus 2 moves back into its startingposition. The return speed can be regulated via a choke valve.

A possibly provided position switch (roller-lever switch) S2 has safetyfunctions. In the event of failure or sluggish operation of theproximity switch S7, the switching element actuates the position switchS2. In this case, all valves are switched to be voltage-free and thelubricating apparatus 2 remains in its end position. In order to avoiddamage through automatic return transport, the lubricating apparatus 2must be manually brought out of the end position. After the malfunctionhas been resolved, the lubricating apparatus 2 subsequentlyautomatically moves back into the starting position.

According to the invention, the carriage F, which carries thelubricating apparatus 2, is engaged by an acceleration cylinder (boostcylinder) J. The acceleration cylinder is controlled by a valve suchthat before or simultaneously with the extension of the catch C, aboosting phase of the carriage F, and thus the lubricating apparatus 2,takes place. The sensor control is thus such that the belt 1 at speedsgreater than a predetermined maximum speed, for example greater than 0.4m/sec, meets the catch C within a predetermined boosting path. Thecarriage F is then moved with a boosting speed, settable through theone-way restrictor valve, of, for example, 0.4 m/sec parallel to belt 1.From the outset, the return cylinder A acts with approximately 0.5 baragainst the carriage motion, in order to prevent the rebounding of catchC from belt 1. Approximately 10 mm after the end of the boosting paththe proximity switch S6 actuates the lubricating head D, whereby thelubricating process is initiated. Simultaneously, the accelerationcylinder J becomes pressure-free. After the delivery phase of thelubricant to belt 1, the proximity switch S6 allows the lubricating headD to move back. Simultaneously, the prepressure or the contact pressureof 0.5 bar applied by an additional valve against the carriage motion isdischarged. After a short time delay, the catch C also moves back, whichin its end position actuates the proximity switch S8 and thus initiatesthe return of carriage F. During the return of carriage F, thepressure-free acceleration cylinder J is also moved into the endposition. The return speed of carriage F can be set with a one-wayrestrictor valve I on return cylinder.

When carriage F is again in the starting position, sensor S5 isactuated, which reduces the full return pressure of approximately 6 barsby change-over switching via a pressure reducer by an additional valveto the contact pressure of 0.5 bar. Thus, the lubrication device isagain in the starting position.

According to FIGS. 2a to 2 d the lubricating apparatus 2 is laterallydisplaceable with the aid of a carriage F comprising rollers 3perpendicular to the direction of motion of the chain belt 1 guidedbilaterally in a track 10, such that the lubricating head D can bebrought into and out of engagement with the lubrication site to belubricated. The lubricating apparatus 2 supports a catch C whose catchcylinder B pivots a catch arm 5 supported about a swivel axle 4. In theresting position depicted in FIG. 2a, the catch arm 5 is above the chainbelt 1. When the piston of the catch cylinder B is extended out as shownin FIG. 2b, the catch arm 5 is pivoted onto a chain link. The catch arm5 with a fork-shaped end 7 shown in FIG. 2c engages over a chain linkaxle 6. As shown in FIG. 2d, the catch arm 5 is supported so as to bepivotable about a further swivel axle 8 which is perpendicular to thedirection of motion of belt 1 such that the catch arm 5 can be pivotedin the direction of motion of the chain link axle 6 out of its directionof motion under excessive stress or against the action of a reset forceinto an arrested resting position. This is an advantage if a malfunctionoccurs in the motion of the lubricating apparatus 2 along the chain belt2 and the chain belt 1 to be lubricated continues moving.

The embodiment of a lubricating apparatus 2 with a catch C, as depictedin FIGS. 3a to 3 d, differs from the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2a to2 d in that the lubricating apparatus 2 supporting the catch C islaterally immovable. However, the chain belt 1 can be moved with the aidof the catch arm 5 from a starting position depicted in FIG. 3a (inwhich it is spaced apart from the lubricating head D) by the pivoting ofthe catch arm 5 into an end position depicted in FIG. 3b in which thelubrication site to be lubricated is guided to the outlet opening of thelubricating head D. An edge of the track on which belt 1 runs providesthe correct lateral positioning of the chain belt 1 in the proximity ofthe lubrication site.

The lubrication device depicted graphically in FIG. 4 lubricatestraveling lubrication sites, for example on a roller and chain belt 11having bearing rollers 13 to be lubricated and individual roller pairs124, 124′ (FIG. 4) and double roller pairs 125 (FIGS. 8 and 9)comprising roller or chain link bolts 14. The roller or chain belt 11can be guided on a track 17 provided with edges 16. To supply thelubrication device, lubricant is supplied from a central lubricationpump. The driving of the pump takes place via a pressure switch S1 withtwo switching points: P≦P_(min) (pump on) and P≧P_(Max) (pump off). Atthe beginning of the lubrication process a proximity switch S5 isswitched in order to indicate the operational readiness of thelubrication device.

A proximity switch S4 inductively acquires the position of a travelingfirst lubrication site, for example a bearing roller 13, which is to belubricated. A second proximity switch S4′ is provided for theacquisition of the position of a second adjacent traveling bearingroller 13′ of a further individual roller pair 124′ or of a doublerollerpair 125, which is to be lubricated in the same operating cycle. Thedistance between the two lubrication sites (i.e., the spacing Z betweenthe roller axes of two individual roller pairs 124, 124′ (FIG. 1) or ofdouble bearing roller pairs 125 (FIG. 8)) can basically be developed inany desired way. However, it is important that the spacing X of the twoswitches S4, S4′ agrees at least substantially with the spacing Z of theroller axes of the bearing rollers 13, 13′ (FIG. 4) between twoindividual roller pairs 124, 124′ (FIG. 4) or of double bearing rollerpairs. For example, proximity switch S4 initially switches a 5/2-wayvalve Y1. Air pressure is thereby output into a catch cylinder B and acatch C extends outward. Details of catch C can be found in the UtilityPatent DE 200 15 780 U, whose disclosed content is fully incorporatedinto the present disclosure. The sequence of the lubrication process(i.e., whether for example each pair of bearing rollers 13, 13′ or everysecond pair of bearing rollers 13, 13′ is to be lubricated) dependsfundamentally on the number of bearing rollers and the speed of thechain or roller belt or the roller spacing.

The extended catch C intercepts the chain 11 so that the chain 11 movesthe lubricating apparatus 12 parallel to the bearing roller 13, in orderto carry out the lubrication process. The lubricating apparatus for thispurpose is disposed on a carriage F, which is supported readilydisplaceably on a frame or a base plate G. In order for the carriage Fto move jointly with the bearing roller 13 under control and notbyjerks, a return cylinder A can be acted upon with a preset dampingpressure via a pressure regulation valve H.

If, simultaneously or within a predetermined time interval, apart fromthe first proximity switch S4 the second proximity switch S4′ alsoresponds, a double bearing roller pair is involved. If the proximityswitch S4 alone responds, a single bearing roller pair is involved.During the motion process of carriage F, the proximity switch S5 departsa (not shown) switching element so that the 5/2-way valves Y2, Y2′switch. Air pressure is thereby supplied to the lubricating headcylinders E, E′, so that the two lubricating heads D, D′ are extendedout to the lubrication sites, developed for example as lubricatingnipples. By pressing the two lubricating heads D, D′ onto the particularroller nipple, a piston delivers the lubricant from a prefilled dosingchamber to the particular lubrication site.

When the proximity switch S6 reaches a second (not shown) switchingelement, the 5/2-way valves Y2, Y2′ are again moved into the restingposition. If the proximity switch S4 alone switches, only valve Y2 isdriven. A reset spring of the lubricating head cylinder E, E′ moves thelubricating heads D, D′ back into the starting position. A centralsupply pump then fills the dosing chamber with lubricant for the nextdelivery stroke.

After the switching of the proximity switch S6, a programmable timestarts. After the passage of the programmable time, the 3/2-way valve Y1again switches into its starting position. The air pressure moves thecatch C back into a starting position. With the aid of a fast ventingvalve, a fast resetting can be accomplished.

When the catch C has reached its starting position, a proximity switchS8 switches valve Y3. In this way, compressed air acts on thedouble-action return cylinder A and the damping pressure, which wasgenerated in the forward motion of lubricating apparatus 12, is switchedoff. The lubricating apparatus 12 moves back into its starting position.The return speed can be regulated via a choke valve I.

A position switch (roller-lever switch) S2 has several safety functions.In the event of failure or a sluggish evaluation of the proximity switchS7, the switching element actuates the position switch S2. In this case,all valves are switched to be voltage-free and the lubricating apparatus2 remains in its end position. In order to avoid damage throughautomatic return transport, the lubricating apparatus 2 must be manuallybrought out of the end position. After the malfunction has beenresolved, the lubricating apparatus 2 subsequently moves automaticallyback into the starting position.

According to the invention, the carriage F, which carries thelubricating apparatus 2, is engaged by an acceleration cylinder (boostcylinder) J. The acceleration cylinder is controlled by a valve suchthat before or simultaneously with the extension of the catch C, aboosting phase of the carriage F, and thus the lubricating apparatus 2,takes place. The sensor control is thus such that the belt 1 at speedsgreater than a predetermined maximum speed, for example greater than 0.4m/sec, meets the catch C within a predetermined boosting path. Thecarriage F is therein moved with a boosting speed, settable through theone-way restrictor valve, of, for example, 0.4 m/sec in a directionparallel to belt 1. From the outset, the return cylinder A acts withapproximately 0.5 bar against the carriage motion, in order to preventthe rebounding of catch C from belt 1. Approximately 10 mm after the endof the boosting path, the proximity switch S6 actuates the lubricatinghead D, whereby the lubricating process is initiated. Simultaneously,the acceleration cylinder J becomes pressure-free. After the deliveryphase of the lubricant to belt 1, the proximity switch S6 allows thelubricating head D to move back. Simultaneously, the prepressure or thecontact pressure of 0.5 bar by an additional valve against the carriagemotion is discharged. After a short delay time, the catch C also movesback, which in its end position actuates the proximity switch S8 andthus initiates the return of carriage F. During the return of carriageF, the pressure-free acceleration cylinder J is also moved into the endposition. With a one-way restrictor valve I on return cylinder A, thereturn speed can be set.

When carriage F is again in the starting position, sensor S5 isactuated, which reduces the full return pressure of approximately 6 barsby change-over switching via a pressure reducer by an additional valveto the contact pressure of 0.5 bar. Thus, the lubrication device isagain in the starting position.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a lubricating device which comprises four lubricatingheads D, D′; D″, D′″, and features similar to those described above areprovided with similar reference numbers. The lubricating heads D to D′″are each disposed pairwise opposing one another such that the belt 11 tobe lubricated is disposed in each instance between two pairwiselubricating heads D, D″ and D′, D′″ associated with one another to formeach pair of bearing rollers. The lubricating heads D to D′″ are in arear end position if the associated cylinders E, E′, E″, E′″ are notacted upon by pressure.

The carriage F equipped with lubricating heads D to D′″ is guided viabearings 18, 19 on guide struts 110, 111 parallel to track 17 andlinearly parallel to the belt axis. The spacing W of the lubricatingheads D, D′ or D″, D′″, respectively, from one another is set for aspecific lubricating device and depends on the distance to thelubrication site. Spacing ,W between two lubricating head pairs D, D″;D′, D′″ on carriage F is thus adapted in each instance to the spacing Zof two lubrication sites succeeding one another on belt 11. Spacing Z,on the other hand, agrees with spacing X between the two sensors S4,S4′.

Lubricating heads D to D′″ are preferably movable pairwise in thedirection toward and away from the lubrication sites of the belt it suchthat the charging forces resulting from the lubrication pressure ontothe belt 1 and the lubricating apparatus 2 cancel each other.

Catch C which is accommodated on carriage F with four lubricating headsD to D′″, in this case acts perpendicularly from above and its, forexample, fork-shaped contour (cf. for example FIGS. 2c and 2 d of DE 20015 780 U) prevents the carriage from being pushed off when interceptingthe roller or chain link bolt 4.

A schematic switching plan for driving the lubricating heads D to D′″shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is depicted in FIG. 7. For the acceleration ofcarriage F, an acceleration cylinder J (not shown there) is employed,and an electrically actuatable 5/2-way valve (also not shown there) isprovided for driving the cylinder J. The four cylinders E to E′″ aredriven by two 5/2-way valves Y4, Y5. The supply lines and the disposallines of lubricating heads D, D″; D′, D′″, each opposing one another inpairs, are pairwise connected to an input or output of the associated5/2-way valve Y4, Y5 Each cylinder E to E′″ is arranged in apressure/venting line, and one fast venting valve K is associated witheach cylinder E to E′″. After the junction of the pairwise associatedpressure/venting lines of two opposing lubricating heads D, D″; D′, D′″in the pressure/venting line, a pressure regulator R is provided foreach line, and the regulator R sets the lubricating head contactpressure. The return cylinder A driven by an electrically actuatable3/2-way valve Y6 is provided for guiding the carriage F back. The catchcylinder is activated by a further valve Y7.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a belt 11 to be lubricated, and the belt is similarto a so-called universal chain or transversely jointed chain. Thiscomprises alternating guide links 112, 113 and bearing or load links114, 115, which are built in each instance from pairwise identical guidelink plates 116, 117 and bearing or load link plates 118, 119. For thearticulated connection of the links, clamping sleeves or bolts 120, 121are provided, and the sleeves 120, 121 are disposed pairwise and offsetwith respect to one another by 90° on the link ends such that auniversal joint function results.

Each guide link 112, 113 comprises individual guidance rollers 122, 123spaced apart from one another. The bearing or load links 114, 115 areequipped with individual bearing roller pairs 124 or with double bearingroller pairs 125, and each is rotatably supported with roller or chainlink bolts 14 on the bearing or load links 114, 115. On the lateralfront faces of roller or chain bolts 124 are, for example, lubricatingnipples to be lubricated. Individual bearing roller pairs 124 and doublebearing roller pairs 125 can each be provided alternatingly as well asat the spacing of a division T.

With the double bearing roller pairs 125, the spacing Z of the rolleraxes substantially agree with a spacing X of the sensors S4, S4′. Thealternating disposition of individual and double bearing roller pairs124, 125 to be lubricated requires a flexibly adaptable lubricationdevice.

The control of the lubrication arrangement according to FIGS. 5 to 7takes place, for example, as follows. Spacing X of sensors S4, S4′ isset to spacing Z of the roller axes of a double bearing roller pair 125such that the detection of an individual or double bearing roller pairs124, 126 is possible. Simultaneous signals of the two sensors S4, S4′within a predetermined time interval (if the spacings Z and X do notprecisely agree) correspond to a double bearing roller pair 125. If thesignals of sensors S4, S4″ occur in a greater time interval, anindividual bearing roller pair 124 is present. Accordingly, theactivation of both lubricating head pairs D, D″; D′, D′″ or only theactivation of one lubricating head pair D, D″ takes place.

The lubrication of the guidance rollers 122, 123 of the universal chain1 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can take place, for example, with a lubricationdevice according to DE 200 15 780 U with corresponding alignment of thelubricating heads there.

The lubrication device depicted in FIG. 10 lubricates travelinglubrication sites on roller and chain belts. To supply the lubricationdevice with lubricant, central lubrication pumps are provided withpressure limitation valves. In the basic position, the proximity switchS11 is switched. The proximity switch S6 inductively acquires theposition of the tread roller and switches the 3/2-way valves Y1 and Y9.The air pressure acts on the catch cylinder B, the catch C extends out;the air pressure acts on the acceleration cylinder N, and the carriage Fis moved in the direction of motion of the chain. A boosting of carriageF decreases the force impulse upon the chain roller impacting on thecatch C. The sequence of the lubrication processes (for example, everytread roller or, for example, every sixth tread roller) depends on thenumber of tread rollers and on the speed of the chain or roller belt, oron the roller spacing.

The tread roller to be lubricated intercepts the catch C and moves thelubricating apparatus precisely parallel to the tread roller in order tobe able to carry out the lubrication process. The lubricating apparatusis connected with carriage F which is supported so as to be readilymovable on frame G. During the motion process, the switching element Lintercepts the proximity switch S12 and switches the 3/2-way valve Y2.The air pressure now acts upon the lubricating head cylinder E, andlubricating head D moves toward the lubrication nipple. The proximityswitch S12 lies at least 50 mm behind the end position of the boostcylinder piston. This ensures that upon reaching the proximity switchS12, the roller to be lubricated is in contact with catch C. In orderfor carriage F not to move in a jerking manner, but rather under controlalong with the tread roller during the lubrication phase, cylinder A isacted upon via a pressure reducer valve O with a damping pressure. Thedamping pressure is set at the factory to approximately 0.5 bar.

By pressing the lubricating head D onto the roller nipple, a pistondelivers the lubricant from a prefilled dosing chamber to thelubrication site.

When the switching element L reaches the proximity switch S3, thedamping is terminated. The 3/2-way valve Y10 switches into the restingposition. A reset spring of lubricating head cylinder E moves thelubricating head D into its starting position, and during this movement,a central supply pump fills the dosing chamber with lubricant for thenext delivery stroke. Simultaneously, a delay time is programmed intothe control. After passage of this delay time, valve Y1 switches intothe resting position, and a reset spring moves the catch C back.

When the catch C reaches its resting position, it switches the 3/2-wayvalve Y3 via switch S4. The system air pressure moves the lubricatingapparatus with the cylinder A into the base position. The return speedis set with the one-way restrictor valve M1. Simultaneously, valve Y10switches. This ensures that carriage F is retained by the dampingpressure in the base position if the valve Y3 is again switchedvoltage-free. When carriage F reaches its starting position, switchingelement L switches the valve Y3 into the resting position via switch S1.The lubricating apparatus is by condition for the next lubricationpulse.

The position switch S5 has only safety functions during failure orsluggish evaluation of proximity switch S3, the switching element Lactuates the position switch S5. All valves are switched to bevoltage-free. The lubricating apparatus remains standing in the endposition. In order to avoid damage through automatic return transport,the lubricating apparatus must be moved manually out of the endposition. By resolving the malfunction, the lubricating apparatussubsequently automatically moves back into the base position.

All air connections to the pneumatic cylinders are equipped with fastventing valves in order to ensure a satisfactory operating speed of thelubrication device.

List of Reference Symbols

1 Belt or the like

2 Lubricating apparatus

3 Rollers

4 Swivel axle

5 Catch arm

6 Roller or chain link axle

7 Fork-shaped end

8 Swivel axle

9 Edge

10 Track

11 Belt or the like

12 Lubricating apparatus

13 Bearing rollers

14 Roller or chain link bolt

15 Catch arm

16 Edge

17 Track

18, 19 Bearing

110, 111 Guide struts

112, 113 Guide links

114, 115 Bearing or load links

116, 117 Guide link plates

118, 119 Bearing or load link plates

120, 121 Clamping sleeves, bolts or the like

122, 123 Guidance rollers

124 Individual bearing roller pair

125 Double bearing roller pair

A Return cylinder

B Catch cylinder

C Catch

D Lubricating head

E Lubricating head cylinder

F Carriage

G Frame

H Pressure regulator

I Choke valve

J Acceleration cylinder

K Fast venting valve

L Switching element

M1 One-way restrictor valve

M2 One-way restrictor valve

N Boost cylinder

O Pressure reducer valve

R Pressure regulator

S1 Pressure switch

S2 Roller-lever switch

S3 to S12 Proximity switch

T Division

W Spacing of lubricating heads D, D′

X Spacing of sensors S4, S4′

Y1 to Y12 Valves

Z Spacing of roller axes or lubrication sites

What is claimed is:
 1. A lubrication device for lubricating lubricationsites on a belt moving along a lubrication site path of movement,comprising: a lubricating apparatus operable to move back and forthparallel to the lubrication site path of movement between a startingposition and a run path ending position, said lubricating apparatusincluding: a catch operable to pivot between a resting position, whereatsaid catch is not engaged with the belt, and a catch position, whereatsaid catch engages the belt such that the belt moves said lubricatingapparatus parallel to the lubrication site path of movement at a speedof the belt from the starting position to the run path ending position;and a lubricating head operable to supply lubricant to a lubricationsite on the belt while said catch is in the catch position and whilesaid lubrication apparatus is moving parallel to the lubrication sitepath of movement from the starting position to the run path endingposition; said lubricating apparatus being further operable to moveparallel to the lubrication site path of movement from the startingposition to the run path ending position at a boosting speed before orsimultaneously as said catch pivots into the catch position so as toengage the belt, said boosting speed being greater than zero and lessthan the speed of the belt.
 2. The lubrication device of claim 1,wherein said lubricating apparatus is operable to move at a boostingspeed no less than 0.4 m/sec less than the speed of the belt.
 3. Thelubrication device of claim 1, wherein said lubricating apparatus isoperable to move at a boosting speed no greater than 0.4 m/sec.
 4. Thelubrication device of claim 3, further comprising an accelerationcylinder for moving said lubricating apparatus at the boosting speed,said acceleration cylinder being shaped and designed to be pressure-freewhen said lubricating head begins the supply of the lubricant.
 5. Thelubrication device of claim 3, wherein said acceleration cylinder isoperable to move pressure-free into a starting position while saidlubricating apparatus moves parallel to the lubrication site path ofmovement from the run path ending position back to the startingposition.
 6. The lubrication device of claim 3, further comprising areturn cylinder including a one-way restrictor valve for setting areturn speed of said lubricating apparatus parallel to the lubricationsite path of movement from the run path ending position back to thestarting position.
 7. The lubrication device of claim 3, furthercomprising a return cylinder operable to apply a counter-pressure of 0.5bar to said lubricating apparatus while said lubricating apparatus ismoving parallel to the lubrication site path of movement from thestarting position toward the run path ending position at the boostingspeed, and operable to apply a return pressure of 6.0 bar to saidlubricating apparatus while said lubricating apparatus is movingparallel to the lubrication site path of movement from the run pathending position back to the starting position.
 8. The lubrication deviceof claim 1, further comprising an acceleration device for moving saidlubricating apparatus parallel to the lubrication site path of movementfrom the starting position toward the run path ending position at theboosting speed, and a reset device for applying a force against saidlubricating apparatus in a direction parallel to the lubrication sitepath of movement in a direction from the run path ending position towardthe starting position.
 9. The lubrication device of claim 8, whereinsaid acceleration device comprises one of an acceleration cylinder and asetting motor, and wherein said reset device comprises a returncylinder.
 10. The lubrication device of claim 1, further comprising aone-way restrictor valve for setting the boosting speed of saidlubricating apparatus moving parallel to the lubrication site path ofmovement from the starting position toward the run path ending position.11. The lubrication device of claim 1, further comprising a track forsupporting the belt, wherein at least one of said lubricating apparatusand said track is operable to move transverse to the lubrication sitepath of movement such that the lubrication site and said lubricatinghead of said lubrication apparatus approach each other.
 12. Thelubrication device of claim 1, wherein said lubricating apparatus isoperable to move in a direction transverse to the lubrication site pathof movement such that said lubricating head of said lubricationapparatus approaches the lubrication site.
 13. The lubrication device ofclaim 1, further comprising a track for supporting the belt, said trackbeing operable to be moved by said catch of said lubricating apparatusin a direction transverse to the lubrication site path of movement suchthat the lubrication site approaches said lubricating head of saidlubrication apparatus.
 14. The lubrication device of claim 1, whereinsaid catch includes a catch arm operable to engage the belt from aboveor below the belt.
 15. The lubrication device of claim 14, wherein saidcatch arm has a fork-shaped outer end for engaging the belt.
 16. Thelubrication device of claim 14, wherein said catch arm is operable topivot outward toward the lubrication site path of movement.
 17. Thelubrication device of claim 1, further comprising apart parallel to thelubrication site path of movement of the belt, said two sensors beingoperable to detect two lubrication sites spaced apart along thelongitudinal axis of the belt, wherein said lubricating apparatusincludes at least two lubricating heads spaced apart parallel to thelubrication site path of movement of the belt for supplying lubricant tothe two lubrication sites.
 18. The lubrication device of claim 17,wherein said two sensors are spaced apart a separation distance equal toa separation distance between the two lubrication sites of the belt. 19.The lubrication device of claim 17, wherein said two sensors areadjustably mounted such that a separation distance between said twosensors can be adjusted.
 20. The lubrication device of claim 17, whereinsaid lubricating apparatus includes two pairs of opposing lubricatingheads spaced apart parallel to the lubrication site path of movement ofthe belt for supplying lubricant to the two lubrication sites, each ofsaid pairs of opposing lubricating heads being operable in tandem. 21.The lubrication device of claim 17, wherein said lubricating apparatusfurther includes a carriage and two pairs of opposing lubricating headsmounted on said carriage so as to be spaced apart parallel to thelubrication site path of movement of the belt for supplying lubricant tothe two lubrication sites.
 22. The lubrication device of claim 21,wherein said carriage supports said catch.
 23. The lubrication device ofclaim 17, wherein said lubricating apparatus includes two pairs ofopposing lubricating heads spaced apart parallel to the lubrication sitepath of movement of the belt for supplying lubricant to the twolubrication sites, said pairs of opposing lubricating head beingarranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the belt.
 24. Thelubrication device of claim 1, wherein said lubricating apparatusincludes at least two lubricating heads opposing each other on oppositesides of the belt, said lubricating heads being operable tosynchronously move in a direction transverse to the lubrication sitepath of movement such that said lubricating heads approach thelubrication site.